Chemical-Free Gardens
I've been promoting gardening without chemicals for quite some time and have met with those that would disagree. The fruit tree group insist that this is not possible with fruit trees. And the mono-culture big boys insist that making a profit is highly unlikely without chemicals!
For those that support this philosophy, I understand why. People want perfect fruit, i.e. an apple or peach without blemishes. Here is where education about the product is introduced: We as a country, and perhaps world-wide, have widespread increases in allergies. Is this due to people being allergic to the foods or the chemicals used to treat them? So far I have researched various areas relative to gardening without chemicals and have a list of predatory insect attracting plants as well as using permaculture principles to create environments conducive to healthy plants of all types.
There will always be arguments for both sides! As for me, I will choose to follow one of my greenhouse teachers advice: I will stick with the apple with a few blemishes and better flavor. After all, what did we do before all these chemicals were introduced?
Design, Installation and Maintenance
9 年Just an update to this post; This morning NPR reported that the bee population is still declining! The report stated clearly that chemicals used responsibly can be very effective and one study listed that the bee population was unaffected by the wise use of chemicals! Hopefully those that decide to use chemicals will be responsible in their applications!